Lionel Messi extended his record-breaking Major League Soccer scoring streak on Saturday, netting twice for the fifth consecutive match to lead Inter Miami to a 2–1 victory over Nashville.
Just days after becoming the first player to score multiple goals in four straight MLS games, the Argentine star did it again as Miami continued their rise in the Eastern Conference standings following their return from the Club World Cup.
Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a signature left-footed free-kick, expertly placed through a narrow gap in Nashville’s defensive wall and beyond goalkeeper Joe Willis.
Although Miami dominated the first half, Nashville equalised four minutes after the break when Hany Mukhtar headed in to level the score.
However, Messi responded in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a costly error by Willis, who misjudged a pass and allowed the Argentine to strike again and seal the win.
The brace brought Messi’s tally to 16 goals in 16 appearances this season, drawing him level with Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who couldn’t add to his total on the night.
“There are not many words. It’s incredible what he keeps doing—breaking records now every three days, not even every weekend,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano.
“He is the standard-bearer of our team, showing us how to compete. He’s our leader. It’s a blessing for me to be part of this stage of his career.”
This was Miami’s third match since rejoining MLS play after their month-long Club World Cup run, which ended in the Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain.
Inter Miami now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points from 19 matches—five points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, who beat New York Red Bulls 2–0, with Indiana Vassilev and Bruno Damiani scoring for the hosts.
FC Cincinnati dropped to second on 42 points after a 4–2 defeat to Columbus, who now share 41 points with Nashville.
Miami’s hectic schedule continues on Wednesday with a clash against Cincinnati, followed by a weekend fixture against the New York Red Bulls.
Mascherano acknowledged the need to manage Messi’s workload carefully.
“At some point, we’ll have to find time to give him a rest. We’ll assess it day by day,” he said. “He’s feeling good, and when the time comes, we’ll act accordingly.”